The Wall Street Journal reported a recent study, comparing the vitamin Niacin made into a drug, Niaspan, and Zetia, a cholesterol absorption blocking agent used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.  Although there were only 208 patients, the vitamin showed a

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My husband has tinnitus.  The specialist told him that he’s “at the end of medical knowledge and there’s nothing that can be done.”  I don’t believe that, and we are searching for answers.  I’ve read that magnesium, zinc, gingko biloba, and other minerals might help.  What have you found to work?  We eat healthy and [...]

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I would like to know how to do the exercise for Plantar Fasciitis.  Do you have a video or instructions?
Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by history and physical exam.  One person with plantar fasciitis describes it as

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I am very interested in purchasing a Chi machine but first I would like to know your opinion on these and if they are beneficial to one’s health. I have arthritis, insomnia, high blood pressure. They tell me they are very good for the lymphatic system as well. Thanks
The Chi machine, of which there are [...]

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Dr. Gardner,
I haven’t felt right about the H1N1 vaccination and my Primary Physician has been great about not pressuring it for my little ones. However, I am pregnant and I have been pressured by my OB to get the vaccination. Now, I am told that this “swine” flu is different because it can be [...]

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A reader writes: “Dear Dr. Gardner, I mentioned your comments [on the swine flu vaccine]to a neighbor of mine who is a physician. This is the feedback he gave me:
‘This well meaning MD, now naturopath, has misstated many important facts, and comes across as authoritative, when in fact, his ignorance of some basic microbiology and [...]

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I am taking issue with your statement that canker sores are a herpes virus. When in Dental Hygiene school, we were taught that they are an autoimmune response, and NOT a virus at all.   Thanks for listening.
‘Canker sores’ has 2 definitions. In many parts of the country, canker sores refer to

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What is the difference between sugar and raw honey? And is there a difference between raw honey and processed honey?
Raw honey contains a combination of sugars, including fructose and glucose, and smaller amounts of sucrose and maltose. It also contains

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I have been on blood pressure medication for a couple of years, but would like to get off. My only side effect is it causes me to cough at times. Is it best to wean oneself off the meds gradually?
Blood pressure medicines need to be weaned gradually, because the body

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